bordes afilados
/boɾdes afilados/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sharp edges" is translated into Spanish as bordes afilados.
This phrase refers to the outer parts of an object that are thin and can cut the skin. You can use the phrase pueden provocar cortes to explain the danger of sharp edges.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bordes (edges) and afilados (sharpened/sharp).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must be afilados because borde is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/boɾdes afilados/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the feminine afiladas because borde is masculine, so the adjective must be afilados.
Did you know?
- Spanish distinguishes between borde for a physical edge and filo for the cutting edge of a blade. While bordes afilados is correct, a knife specifically has a filo, which is the part that actually does the cutting.
- To describe the act of making an edge sharp, Spanish uses the verb afilar. This is the same root as afilados and is often associated with the traditional afilador who traveled streets with a pedal-wheel to sharpen knives.
- While afilados refers to physical sharpness, if you want to describe a person with a 'sharp' or biting wit, you might use the word mordaz instead.
Examples in context
- Tenga cuidado con los bordes afilados en esta ventana.Be careful with the sharp edges on this window.
- Ten cuidado con los bordes afilados de la mesa.Be careful with the sharp edges of the table.
- El cristal tiene bordes afilados.The glass has sharp edges.
- Evita usar cajas con bordes afilados.Avoid using boxes with sharp edges.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are unpacking a new shelf.
- DanielElena, no toques esa pieza.Elena, don't touch that piece.
- Elena¿Por qué? Parece normal.Why? It looks normal.
- DanielTiene bordes afilados y puedes cortarte.It has sharp edges and you could cut yourself.
- ElenaGracias por avisarme, Daniel.Thanks for letting me know, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
